The University and Literary Club
The University and Literary Club (UniLit) is both a gentlemen’s club and a top Central Bristol wedding venue. It also offers excellent conference facilities for various styles of corporate events and is a superb location for that special party.

The UniLit, originally established in 1889 as the Literary and Philosophic Club, is a magnificent Georgian building situated in Berkeley Square, at the top of fashionable Park Street in the heart of Bristol.

The function rooms are situated on the first and second floors, reached by a stunning Georgian staircase, top-lit by a magnificent glass cupola.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions, business lunches, meetings, conferences and private parties can all be catered for in the elegant surroundings of these rooms, designed in the late eighteenth century by Thomas Paty, one of Bristol’s prominent Architect-Masons.

Conscious of the historic qualities of its premises, the UniLit extends a warm welcome and professional service to all members, guests and visitors.

WEDDINGS

The UniLit is one of the top wedding venues in Bristol.

We hold a Civil Ceremony Licence so you and your guests can spend all day in the club, enjoying your wedding ceremony, reception and evening celebration in beautiful Georgian splendour in the heart of Bristol. We pride ourselves on our personal and flexible service and will work with you to ensure you have a perfect day to remember.

We are proud to offer a unique wedding planning service. We have a dedicated wedding coordinator and once you have booked your special day at the UniLit you will receive our complimentary leaflets, offering advice on such details as readings and music for the ceremony, the role of the best man and ushers, order of the speeches, seating plans, etc.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions are held in the magnificent air-conditioned Cabot Suite on the first floor. This looks out on the University Tower and City Museum to one side and to the other offers views across Berkeley Square gardens (where you may choose to have your photographs) to the Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill, offering an idyllic location for your wedding day.

When we host your wedding we invite you to treat the UniLit as your home for the day. In addition to the Cabot Suite, you will have use of the adjoining bar and, on the ground floor, a further bar and the beautifully furnished members lounge (available on Saturday or Sunday). The lounge is an excellent location for you and your guests to enjoy some quiet moments in the evening.

During your wedding you may also like to make use of one of our smaller reception rooms on the second floor, perhaps for a children’s entertainer or party games!

While planning the music for your special day, please note that we offer a full PA system for use during the ceremony. We are also happy to help with arrangements for a disco or band in the evening.

When it comes to the catering on your wedding day, you obviously want to celebrate in style. The UniLit offers an extensive wine list. For your wedding breakfast you may choose from our extensive buffet or traditional menus, however if you have a specific dish in mind our chef will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Book your wedding with us at the UniLit and you will enjoy:

the expertise of our dedicated wedding coordinator
white linen napkins and tablecloths
use of the full PA system in the Cabot suite
a choice of round or square cake stands and knife
air-conditioning in the Cabot suite and both bars

…not to mention our great food and wine and the beautiful surroundings.

PRIVATE HIRE

Whatever kind of party you are planning in Bristol, be it a big birthday party with a disco, a christening celebration complete with entertainer for the older children, an office Christmas party with mock casino, or simply a quiet relaxed family party; you have come to the right place.

Our standard party rooms are situated on the first and second floors, reached by a stunning Georgian staircase, top-lit by a magnificent glass cupola. However, if your party is on a Saturday or Sunday you can also make use of the members’ rooms on the ground floor. These offer an additional bar and a beautifully furnished and relaxing lounge for those quiet moments.

The air-conditioned Cabot suite, complete with adjoining bar, is on the first floor. The main room is partially split by Georgian archways and this enables you to use the space in a variety of ways. For example using one half for an informal buffet and the other as a dance floor – in this case you are limited to a maximum of 120 people. Alternatively the whole room may be arranged to seat up to 72 if you are planning a sit-down dinner.

Our smaller rooms on the second floor may be booked for more intimate functions, or you may choose to use them in addition to the Cabot suite if you are planning extra entertainment.

We have a splendid wine list and offer a variety of menu options. If you would like to be seated you may have a carved buffet or a traditional three course meal. Or if you prefer the idea of everyone mingling we offer a great selection of food for an informal buffet.

We pride ourselves on our personal and flexible service and will work with you to ensure you have an event to remember!

Whatever you decide you are sure to have a great party – we look forward to welcoming you to the club!